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Safety Yeremiah Bell nowhere to be seen as Dolphins return to practice

The challenge the Dolphins figure to face against San Diego’s high-powered offense this Sunday could be a bit tougher after strong safety Yeremiah Bell was a no-show at the portion of Wednesday’s practice that was open to the media.

In related news, Jason Taylor did not participate and, while both Vontae Davis and Chris Clemons participated, neither worked with the starters, meaning Nolan Carroll and Reshad Jones could once again be in the starting lineup against a Chargers team that ranks fourth in total offense and sixth in passing.

Bell was on the field on the Dolphins’ last defensive play in Sunday’s 17-16 loss to Cleveland, coming over too late to help rookie Jimmy Wilson prevent a 14-yard touchdown pass from Colt McCoy to Mohamed Massaquoi.

Bell, 33, has played in every game and started all but one over the past four seasons since returning from a torn Achilles tendon suffered in the 2007 opener. If Bell is out for any reason, the logical replacement would be veteran Tyrone Culver, who has made only two starts in his six-year career.

Taylor also seemed to finish Sunday’s game with no injury issues. Coach Tony Sparano has given him days off in the past to rest his body.

While both Clemons and Davis seemed to be moving well, the thinking could be that if they’re held out this week they’ll have another two to heal before Miami’s next game, a Monday night affair in New York against the Jets on Oct. 17.